The food was delicious! We had a late dinner and the kitchen was super busy, but we still got our food in a timely fashion!

After a hike we decided to look for a fun place to grab some food before heading back out of town. We found Cafe Cruz and what a gem ! The patio area was beautifully set up and inviting! We had a seat by the fountain and enjoyed excellent service and food ! We enjoyed the buffalo artichoke appetizer and one of their daily special menu items! They did not disappoint ! For great food and friendly staff, I highly recommend an afternoon at Cafe Cruz! read more

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Jeanette was absolutely amazing. I come here very often to eat for lunch and occasionally for dinner and she was unbelievably kind and accommodating. All servers here are wonderful but she genuinely made me excited for her to come back to our table:) read more

My husband and I love Cafe Cruz and have enjoyed their food many times. It never disappoints. We were there last night and had the Blackened Chicken Sandwich. Sooo good! Food is great and service superb. However, the owners would do themselves a service by mitigating the noise factor. Baffles in the ceiling, tapestries on the walls or something!? Whether it's the bussers clearing tables and throwing dishes in the bin or parties in the bar laughing and yelling, it's impossible to have a conversation. We've sat in every room in the restaurant and it's always the same. Even at a table for two, we're leaning across the table saying, "What? Huh?" read more

So excited when we made reservations to celebrate my son In laws birthday and our wedding anniversary.... So disappointed with the food. Mediocre at best but maybe because it was a Tuesday night? read more

Buich Insurance had our 3-office holiday dinner, and everyone loved it! Between the delicious food, festive atmosphere and great staff, we enjoyed a wonderful evening! Alex was our waitperson and was very attentive to all 20+ of us. Kenneth was so accommodating with regards to our requests...soooo easy to work with and a super nice guy! Thank you, Cafe Cruz for making our 2025 celebration one to remember! read more

I should've left a bad review when I got food poisoning from them. They had halibut as a special once. Literally about 10 minutes ago, my mom was just kicked out for giving her service dog a treat. I don't think there's a law that forbids service animal owners from giving their dogs treats in restaurants -- NOT food from the table. Yes, we do have a very cute little dog, but she wouldn't be a service dog if she wasn't trained and certified as a service animal. If they had told her not to come in with a service dog in the first place, I don't think they would've did. But to have customers sit down, order food and drinks, have everything hit the table, and then be told to get up and leave simply for giving a service dog a treat?!?! Absolutely ridiculous. Wow. Never been kicked out of a restaurant for such a reason, and we go to fine-dining restaurants. If you have a service dog, apparently that's your problem -- you're not welcome at Café Cruz, especially if you try to feed your dog. read more

Always delicious food and drinks. Great outdoor seating on the patio when weather permits. Service friendly and attentive. Very nice and comfortable private rooms for special occasions. Been coming here for over 30 years, never disappoints! read more

Food really good everything Service Reliable chill Ambiance Must sit outside in back think anywhere in Italy incased in a garden big fire place greenery and flowers outside but still in the building lol It's pricey but very good with calm garden vibes You can come in casual too read more

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Servers were super helpful about food choices and attentive to specific needs such as heating lamps. Food was delicious with lots of different choices. Both inside and outside seating was comfortable and inviting. read more

So I went to Café Cruz twice since the change of ownership. I've always had the best things to say about them. I've been going for many many years but the last two times I have been quite disappointed the first time my chicken was dry and so was my polenta I went again today with a bunch of Family and I ordered the baby green with grilled chicken on top. My chicken was dry. The Gorgonzola dressing was so watered down it sat at the bottom of my plate, like water, wilting all my lettuce, my sister's fish was dry This was always our favorite place to go but my last two experiences have not been good. I feel like they maybe trying to cut corners. I hope things change the way it once was read more

What a great experience at this restaurant!!! The food is so fresh and well prepared. The menu is nicely presented and makes it hard to choose!! Our meal was exquisite and the plates at the tables near us looked amazing, too! I cannot wait to return to try more of their offerings. We had the filet mignon with vegetables and mashed potatoes and I'm still thinking about how good it was. I want to go back there now!! The pre-dinner drinks were spot on and the wine pairings for dinner were perfect. We did not have dessert, as we were too full. I can only imagine they would be as good as everything else we experienced at the great restaurant. Stars for the wonderful service, fresh and tasty food, lovely environment, not overly expensive, easy parking and just a great over all experience. I've been to many restaurants globally and this wonderful restaurant is one I want to return to over and over!! Special call out to the chefs!!! Thank you for a wonderful dinner. read more

I was in Soquel for the weekend and saw the great reviews for Cafe Cruz. The building is unassuming from the front, but what a great space or should I say spaces inside. It had a mid-century modern vibe. There were a couple of different rooms and a cool patio out back. There was a bar area also. I sat at the bar. I was well a taken care of by bartenders buddy and Jake. Both were very friendly and attentive. I ordered the Harris Ranch Filet Mignon, which include mash potato (or polenta) and green beans, The filet was sizable, at least 10 oz and was wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and sat in a red wine caramelized onion reduction sauce. I eat a lot of steak and this was one of the best I've had, cooked perfectly on the rare side of medium. At $45, I felt it was a steal. I highly recommend Cafe Cruz for a cool, upscale casual, and fun night with great food. read more

We came here and the main dishes we very good. Filet and Pasta. The sides were off: The fries were overcooked and cool while the beans were not seasoned, felt like they were out of a can. The atmosphere was nice if you can get a table, (we did). All in all, if I could give this a 3.5 star that would be closer than just a 3 or a 4. 50/50 on whether we will be back. read more

Went on Halloween night and service was great when we walked in and throughout the meal. Got the blackened fish taco salad. Completely delicious! Large portion! Parking is in back and kinda wonky but worth it to eat there read more

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The food and service were outstanding. All of the staff are on top of it with refilling drinks, clearing dishes, and checking on you during the meal in a genuine way. Had a problem with a dish and it was quickly resolved. The tables are close together so it can be a bit loud, but been there twice and loved it both times. read more

Really good and FAST! Nice outdoor heated seating area, the service was good, and the food was REALLY GOOD! Steak salad and prime rib were our selections. Prime rib melted in your mouth. Salad was really good as well. Busy little place but they're on their A-game! read more

Cafe Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Soquel, California

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Dinner on Wednesday was delicious! Great service! This cafe is quaint and lovely. Had the swordfish and it was amazing. Thanks

Out to dinner a few months ago at Cafe Cruz I ordered steamed clams. What I got was a bowel full of empty shells, which I sent back. This weekend we went there for dinner and I ordered the sea bass special. The fish was overcooked and dried out. The accompanying broccolini tasted burnt. Since my last review 11 years ago we've had many good meals here. These last two are definitely below par. read more

Delicious food! We usually come on our anniversary because it's a great place to enjoy food and our own company. I think both inside and outside seating is beautiful although I prefer the inside seating. The service is very friendly, fast and efficient. Gonna have to plan a date out soon! read more

We had our first visit to Cafe Cruz this month - found it on Open Table (perfect way to book a table especially in their gorgeous outdoor patio setting) and so glad that we did! Again, the patio is so warm and wonderful! I mean we are dining out in November and were not cold at all. There's a big fireplace and heat lamps - and it was just warm and wonderful. Great ambiance! It was charming and wonderful - and the charm just hits you the moment you walk outside. Next - the food! Also incredible! We ordered beet chips, shaved brussels sprouts, calamari and mashed potato fritters. All worth ordering! Nom nom nom! I had the rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and creamy polenta (definitely order the polenta - served with a little tomato sauce. It was delicious). I shared it with my daughter and there was so much chicken and they halved it onto two different plates so it was already equally distributed. My son got the pepper steak and my husband ordered the filet mignon - everyone was happy with what they ordered. We had to try dessert. We shared creme brûlée - classic and tasty! Overall, a really memorable meal and evening! Only small bummer is that the parking is, for sure, not great as other Yelpers can attest. But you can park across the street in the Home Depot parking lot. Super easy. read more

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Cafe Cruz has great ambience and delicious food! The Linguine Cruz pasta was so fresh. read more

Cafe Cruz - Linguine Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Soquel, California

I wanted to follow up and write an updated review. This most recent visit to Cafe Cruz was a much more pleasant experience. Even though it was a busy rainy weekend evening, our waitress was attentive and extremely sweet (and cracked some cute jokes). I was stoked to see oysters on the menu and to give those a try. They were delightful. Our table shared the brussel sprout dish (so cheesy and tasty) and the olives. Everyone enjoyed their entree and drinks and after that experience, I would go back. My only feedback is once again, the asparagus was on the chiller side (intentional?) and under-cooked (to me) so I didn't touch them (again). The mashed potatoes made up for that though. ;) read more

Cafe Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Soquel, California

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Just an FYI - pets no longer allowed in outdoor seating area. This was unexpected as we've brought our dog twice in last 6 months. So this was unexpected. But food is always good here even though we couldn't dine this time. read more

We came here with friends and frankly, were not excited (in our food snobbery). But every dish was delicious, the service was attentive, and we loved it all. A bit busy and noisy but lots of quiet nooks in and outside the restaurant. Highly recommend this place. read more

Great food and great service for both lunch and dinner. It's a hidden gem! The staff is also amazing. Today, we watched an employee help an elderly woman not only make her way out of the restaurant but also get to her car safely with her escort. He could not have been nicer! read more

I went back to Cafe Cruz after staying away for a long while. It was much much better! the food was good and the service very good. I sure wish they would bring back the rotisserie chicken and prime rib. read more

I had my birthday dinner here and it was absolutely amazing!!! Everything was so tasty!! Everyone at my table was trying everyone else's food because the flavors were so amazing! The POSOLE!!!!!! I got the blackened chicken salad and the prawn tacos with the slaw had a great spice level. The best way to describe the food was Californian! The best parts of Mexican food with a slightly American twist! Our server was Abel! I almost said I love you to him at the end of the night lol ‍ everything we asked for showed up in seconds, and he even surprised me with some ice cream and a candle for my birthday! I felt so special! Lastly! We sat outside and the twinkling lights and with all the plants and vines really did it for me! There were heaters so we stayed all toasty! read more

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We went on Valentine's Day and got everything that we could've ever imagined. Our server alone, Lauren, went above and beyond, telling us all of her specials and favorite things, and had a great attitude and personality that we enjoyed getting to know. She was quick to get her eye contact when we needed her., Attentive, fun to be around, and did good work! I hope to see her again there as our server. Thanks Lauren! read more

We have been coming to Cafe Cruz for years. We went there recently and just had the best time. We like to sit at the bar. The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The drinks were perfect and delicious. We shared two appetizers. The mussels and wings. Both were so delicious and perfectly cooked. We can't wait to go back. Cafe Cruz is the best. read more

Still loving Cafe Cruz after all these years... We have been here a few times, and they never disappoint us. On this most recent occasion we came in for dinner and sat outside in the patio area. Service was excellent and friendly. We shared crab cakes and split a salad (plenty to share). Partner drooled over the Harris Ranch filet and I did the same with my New York strip. Both medium rare and perfectly delivered that way. Lots of fun chatting up our tables next to us. There were also a couple b-day parties going on in the patio, so everyone was talking, sharing, and just having a great time. Made for an excellent evening out. read more

Cafe Cruz - Harris Ranch filet perfectly cooked to medium rare - Seafood Near Me - Soquel, California

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First time here. We went here for my daughter's birthday. It's a good spot for a date or a special occasion. We sat outside. They have an excellent outdoor space with heaters. If you want to be extra warm outside, get one of the tables along the back wall of the restaurant. They have extra heaters there. I ordered the Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs with the apricot glaze. It's not a traditional barbecue sauce but I really enjoyed it. The meat fell off the bones. I ordered sides of creamy polenta and the slaw. Both were good choices. It was definitely the best meal of the 4 at our table. One daughter ordered a burger. I was a solid burger. Nothing special. My other daughter ordered the Grilled Skirt Steak & Fettuccine. This had a very unique flavor that I wasn't expecting. The beef was a bit chewy but I've come to expect that occasionally with skirt steak. I would order this. This place seemed a tad pricey, but I'm still getting used to the new costs of things during these times of inflation and post-pandemic. This was a good choice for our birthday celebration. I would come back. read more

Cafe Cruz - Hickory smoke baby back ribs with apricot glaze. Sides of polenta and Napa slaw - Seafood Near Me - Soquel, California

Had dinner at The Cruz Café, and honestly I was not expecting it to be this good. A friend recommended it to me, and now I totally get the hype. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, the staff were super friendly, and the food? Absolutely delicious. My dish was amazing, and my friend's plate looked so good I almost had order envy. I've already started making plans to come back with more friends. This spot is definitely a new favorite! read more

Love cafe Cruz every time! This is one of my go to places when I'm in Soquel and went again this weekend for dinner after the O'Neill cruise and it was great! The best thing is definitely the bread from Gayle's and the fresh chopped garlic with oil and balsamic.. I could probably just eat this the entire night and be fine, LOLl We had the peach and burrata salad added prawns and chicken and it was good. The bartenders are awesome here and are really fun! My friend ordered a coconut margarita, which I don't think they have made before and it was really good they said they may add it to their drink specials. You will always get a great meal here, the brussels sprouts are awesome, the chopped salad is so good with the blue cheese and they have really good steak and fish, they just have a really great and ever changing menu! read more

I was actually planning on doing dinner elsewhere in a more touristy part of town. But after a beer tasting session in the same parking lot, I decided to skip the extra travel, and just give this place a convenient shot. The place is kinda old school, and really seems like a local favorite. I came in for an early weeknight dinner and was able to sit just about anywhere. But by the time 6pm rolled around the place was starting to really pick up. And everyone around me seemed to know each other. Place is upscale in that the food is solid, service is ok with coursing and nice plates and silverware. But it is casual enough that there can be some peeps dressed up, but also people in shorts and/or beach wear. It is the Santa Cruz area after all. Glass of Husch Chenin Blanc ($11/4.5*) I rarely see this varietal get served by the glass, so when I saw one, I didn't hesitate. It is a Cali version of it but the fruity notes with the lighter refreshing body just hit home on a warm Soquel evening out on their patio. I wouldn't hesitate in ordering a bottle on my next out here, but I also heard that their corkage is very reasonable, like $15 or so. And I saw multiple tables bring in some of their own wine. Locals know what's up. Manhattan Chowder ($10/4*) I don't see this version of clam chowder as often out here on the west coast. The creamy New England style is what dominates the menus. So when I ran into this, I also had to swoop in. Huge bowl of a thick and hearty chowder. I actually wished they had a smaller 'cup' version, as to eat this bowl before your entree is almost a bit much. But I did love the hearty chunks of clams and potatoes in a rich tomato broth with a legitimate clam/briny flavor. Maybe a tad salty, but quite good with their house focaccia tableside. New Zealand Salmon ($45/4.5*) This was on special and is the first place I look when I go to an upscale seafood restaurant. I never had New Zealand salmon but I got in a conversation on a foodie thread once, and someone from that hemisphere really recommended on trying it. I mean I've always been a fan of our local Pacific wild King salmon, so I wanted to give another version a whirl. Totally legit! Pure salmon flavor and a very soft almost buttery texture. It was simply pan fried with a nice crust and perfectly salted. Super simple almost too simple, but I just kept it in purist mode and enjoyed my bites with the crisp wine. But a nice dab of some butter sauce or a vinaigrette would have been nice, especially at this price point. Also, I prefer to have super fresh fish with the skin on as it adds another dimension and offers more in the fish's flavor profile. There was a nice basmati/wild rice side dish and perfectly grilled asparagus. Showed the kitchen's tightness IMO. A large mound of baby arugula also garnish but not sure on how necessary it was, since the nice seasonal asparagus was already there. I don't mind the peppery notes of arugula so I just mixed it in with rice for a nice twist. Because of the large bowl of soup, I was too full for dessert. I just opted for another glass of wine as I absorbed the nice meal and the remaining part of the sunset on the patio. Not bad for a nice detour that wasn't planned. I'm from the camp that thinks plans were meant to get broken. Sorry-not-sorry. read more

Fantastic ambience, food and service by Alex. The food was exceptional and so was the service. We had the private room which was fit for 25 people. Our menu was diverse and perfect selections for a large group. Yes, we will return! read more

Went here for my birthday dinner! I'd been only a couple of times in the past for lunch but had never had dinner. What a fantastic dinner we had. I really like the bread with garlic while we tried to decide what to order. I ordered the Filet Mignon and can honestly say I've never had a more tender piece of meat! Cooked to perfection, flavorful and very satisfying! My partner ordered the salmon and said it was also very well prepared (unfortunately I don't like fish so couldn't speak to that)! Since it was my birthday they provided us with a nice ice cream sundae which topped off the dinner on a sweet satisfying note! Will definitely be back! read more

Cafe Cruz - Salmon entree - Seafood Near Me - Soquel, California

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The food here is outstanding!!! The service was very welcoming and the overall beauty of this restaurant is perfect for a date or a special occasion. read more

I always thought this was a tiny Mexican restaurant and felt like an idiot to discover it's American-style cuisine with a bar and outdoor patio. The food and service are excellent and quite literally the coolest place is the bar area. This local staple has been here 28 years and owned by the same person. The only thing they don't have is breakfast. Jeanette is the treasure here, although all the employees seemed cool, despite many being younger. They have wine and spirits, but my focus was the six taps of local craft brew from Discretion, Coronado, Corralito's and North Coast Pacific. Corralito's is far up in the hills behind Aptos and I never get up there, but fortunately they get kegs every week. The Richter Red Ale is excellent. It's nice you can sit in the bar and have lunch easily and without a reservation or huge rush. The pastrami sandwich was excellent and I'd expect everything here to be good from the other patrons food I saw. They have a happy hour from 3-5PM where drinks are $2 off, but really the only negative is everything is pricey and it can be occasionally difficult to park if it's busy. I think $9 for beer is quixotic but they have excellent food and service, plus it's a relaxing ambience that also can be cordoned off for groups. The closest thing to Mexican food they have is the Taco Salad btw...in case you wondered. I expected to get an enchilada plate or taquitos and had no idea how wrong I'd been for years driving by. This is also a good place to eat if your going to visit Discretion Brewing in the same parking lot. If that's not good enough, you can buy weed, furniture and mattresses next door as well as a Safeway, Best Buy and Home Depot across the street. So, the location is convenient for doing errands after or meeting folks, being right off PCH. They have parking spots in the front for takeaway orders, with the rest of us using the carpark behind the restaurant. In case you wondered, this was a restaurant 28 years ago before Cafe Cruz, but before that, it was originally a private residence, hence the intensive repurposing you observe today. There's one other small house which survives today in the carpark and the defunct breakfast/lunch place behind Cafe Cruz is slated to open as something similar as Cafe Opal was, with breakfast and lunch only. If Cafe Cruz had breakfast, I don't think any restaurants would ever survive behind them. Cafe Cruz reminds me a little of a favorite family-owned chain in Los Angeles called Hof's Huts (now defunct) but had a very similar model, with a bakery and all-day breakfast being the difference. Anyway, if you can, sit in the bar if Jeanette's working. She knows all the restaurants history and is cool. read more

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I went there with a friend. We had a salad, a burger, and wine. Food was delicious, service was excellent.